It felt like a good idea to keep a safe distance from David Artell as he gave his post-match interview on Monday.

Though the manager’s words were as well-chosen and thoughtful as ever, there was an aura of anger which suggested there would be no need ask searching questions to extract revealing answers.

He didn’t hold back.

In five minutes and 41 seconds, surely the shortest debrief the articulate boss has provided since taking over, he left no-one under any illusions as to what he thought of the 3-0 defeat to Yeovil Town.

Describing the performance and result as ‘the worst’ so far under his leadership, he questioned the attitude and application of many of his men.

And he apologised to the 154 supporters who had made the long trip to Somerset to see what was a miserable reverse.

Then, seething, he stomped off to board the coach for a journey which didn’t get him and the squad back to South Cheshire until after 10.30pm.

It’s hard to blame him for being frustrated.

As a former old school centre-half, who made a career out of giving 100% and being committed and resolute in defence, it must be gut-wrenching to watch a team which has conceded six goals from set-play situations in the last two away games.

“We worked on (defending set-pieces) all last week on it, all week,” he said, with the only hint of an ironic smile we saw from him on the edge of the pitch near the dugouts at Huish Park.

“Defending crosses, defending your box, heading it, desire to get on the end of it.

“They are just cheap goals. Just cheap, cheap goals. If we don’t cut it out this club’s not going to move forward.”

He’s not wrong.

All their pretty football – Crewe played some excellent stuff at times – is futile if they can’t get the basics right.

In addition to the familiar Achilles heel while defending, there was a stark lack of penetration at the other end which meant the Glovers kitman could simply put keeper Jonny Maddison’s strip back on the peg for this weekend.

It was a bad day at the office and, while they should be clear from danger, the fact a side as poor as Yeovil have leapfrogged Crewe in the standings should sent its own message to all at Gresty Road.

Positives were few, but homegrown youngsters Perry Ng and Callum Ainley impressed on their recalls to the starting line-up. Their places should be safe for the visit of Leyton Orient.